Psalteries is the term used to describe stringed instruments that are part of the zither family. These have been around for centuries, dating way back to ancient times. However, there are modern versions still widely used today.
The psalteries that were in Ancient Greece were similar to the harp instrument. This terminology, psaltery, is taken from the language of the Greek. It is a combination of a word that means harp, psaltery or stringed instrument, and a verb that is defined as to pull, touch sharply, twitch or pluck.
During the Christian era, these included a soundboard. Attached were several strings that had already been tuned and were to be plucked in order to play. It was also called a canon, which is taken from a Greek word that means rule or principle. Typically the instrument is small and portable. However, it come in a variety of shapes and ranges.
The years between the 12th and 15th centuries is when these instruments were being included in sculpture, manuscripts and paintings found around Europe. They vary in shape and number of strings. In the 19th century, zithers were more common. More specifically, the autoharp and guitar zither. Just a century later, bowed psalteries were becoming more popular. They are designed with a triangular format so that the end half of the string can be bowed.
A bowed psaltery refers to the type of zither instrument that is played using a bow. In contrast to the older plucked kinds, these are more of a twentieth-century invention. There are violin zithers, ukelin-type pieces and conventional bowed psalteries that may be used. The style of performance will vary based on the player and the instrument that is used.
The Baltic is a different kind of psaltery. This terminology is used when describing a specific family of box-zither pieces. Most of these instruments are used in places located near the Baltic Sea, hence their name. The different kinds that may be placed under this classification: Kankles, Harpu, Kusle, Kokle, Kannel and Kantele.
The instruments are available through many different retailers in the modern day. Their prices are expected to range. Generally the cost is relative to the condition of the piece, the type of psaltery, manufacturer and of course, the seller. Individuals interested in owning one of these should check the instrument sellers in their area or check online. There are some places that will allow musicians to rent these pieces. Furthermore, those who would like instruction on how to play these may find resources online or a music teacher available in their area who knows how to play the instrument.
Psalteries are not the most popular stringed instrument in the modern day. However, they are still widely available and used in many parts of the world. The instruments come in a variety of ranges, sizes and shapes. These have been used for centuries, but there have been innovations and changes from the original design. There are online and offline retailers that sell or rent these pieces, and numerous resources and teachers that can be helpful when it comes to learning how to play these stringed instruments.
The psalteries that were in Ancient Greece were similar to the harp instrument. This terminology, psaltery, is taken from the language of the Greek. It is a combination of a word that means harp, psaltery or stringed instrument, and a verb that is defined as to pull, touch sharply, twitch or pluck.
During the Christian era, these included a soundboard. Attached were several strings that had already been tuned and were to be plucked in order to play. It was also called a canon, which is taken from a Greek word that means rule or principle. Typically the instrument is small and portable. However, it come in a variety of shapes and ranges.
The years between the 12th and 15th centuries is when these instruments were being included in sculpture, manuscripts and paintings found around Europe. They vary in shape and number of strings. In the 19th century, zithers were more common. More specifically, the autoharp and guitar zither. Just a century later, bowed psalteries were becoming more popular. They are designed with a triangular format so that the end half of the string can be bowed.
A bowed psaltery refers to the type of zither instrument that is played using a bow. In contrast to the older plucked kinds, these are more of a twentieth-century invention. There are violin zithers, ukelin-type pieces and conventional bowed psalteries that may be used. The style of performance will vary based on the player and the instrument that is used.
The Baltic is a different kind of psaltery. This terminology is used when describing a specific family of box-zither pieces. Most of these instruments are used in places located near the Baltic Sea, hence their name. The different kinds that may be placed under this classification: Kankles, Harpu, Kusle, Kokle, Kannel and Kantele.
The instruments are available through many different retailers in the modern day. Their prices are expected to range. Generally the cost is relative to the condition of the piece, the type of psaltery, manufacturer and of course, the seller. Individuals interested in owning one of these should check the instrument sellers in their area or check online. There are some places that will allow musicians to rent these pieces. Furthermore, those who would like instruction on how to play these may find resources online or a music teacher available in their area who knows how to play the instrument.
Psalteries are not the most popular stringed instrument in the modern day. However, they are still widely available and used in many parts of the world. The instruments come in a variety of ranges, sizes and shapes. These have been used for centuries, but there have been innovations and changes from the original design. There are online and offline retailers that sell or rent these pieces, and numerous resources and teachers that can be helpful when it comes to learning how to play these stringed instruments.
